Search - Marc Copland, Drew Gress, Bill Stewart :: New York Trio Recordings 3: Night Whispers

Pure creativity results in pure listening delight!

the way I see it | Midwest | 04/02/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What a fun CD to listen to! What a fun trio! The music and interplay among the muscians is incredibly creative. While I can't use as many musical terms as many other jazz reviewers, this CD has a little bit of everything: they take it inside and outside as well as hang out on the porch. Copland plays some nice chords in places and Gress even takes his bass on a brief walk in others. And Stewart does about everything that can be done on the drums, from the most subtle and sensitive brush work to some wonderful, complementary accenting as well as soloing.



I really appreciate the spaces between notes, especially since these guys have chops galore; they each obviously know that music is not about chops-exhibitionism. While the music is dense at times, there is plenty of space at other times. It's simply tasteful and nearly perfect from the first notes of the opening cut to the last notes of the final cut. A person could easily devote many listenings to focusing on just one member of the trio and what he brings to this beautifully recorded session much less attend to and allow him- or herself to be carried away to a heavenly musical place by the interplay of all three.



While I am new to Bill Stewart, Marc Copland, and Drew Gress, they are all extraordinary musicians who have been around for a while. Gress' beautiful sound is as full and rich as that of Charlie Haden and Gary Peacock. Collectively, this trio is as good as any out there, and I strongly recommend this CD to people who can handle jazz that strikes a fine balance between being inside and out, tuneful and improvisational, melodic and free. I anticipate listening to this recording many, many times, and I fully expect to hear new, previously-missed nuances each time I do. I also anticipate that my appreciation for this CD and these musicians will only grow.



Though I lack adequate words--as well as musical knowledge--to portray in musical nomenclature what the musicians are doing, I trust that another reviewer who has the expertise will soon share his or her insights with you and me. I learned a long time ago to trust the ears of my heart when it comes to recognizing good music, and "they" tell me in unequivocal terms: this is GREAT music! I am in the midst of buying nearly everything I can find with Bill Stewart, Marc Copland, and Drew Gress (whether they are playing together or not). Trust me, I will buy everything this trio puts out as trio, and I hope they will have the opportunity to record prolifically. It's a special group with a special chemistry."